How long does it take to retrieve a vehicle after it has been impounded due to an accident?
2 Answers
The vehicle can be retrieved within a maximum of 60 days after being impounded. The purpose of impounding the vehicle by the public security authority is to conduct vehicle inspection. The traffic management department of the public security authority should determine the completion period for inspection and appraisal with the appraisal institution, and the determined period should not exceed 30 days. If it exceeds 30 days, it should be reported to the higher-level traffic management department of the public security authority for approval, but the maximum period should not exceed 60 days. Additional information: 1. Reason for impounding: The only reason for the traffic police to impound a vehicle is to collect evidence and conduct inspection and appraisal of the accident vehicle. 2. Storage of impounded vehicles: Impounded vehicles must be stored at the location designated by the public security traffic management department and properly kept. 3. Parking fees: Parking fees incurred due to seizure and impoundment shall be borne by the administrative authority, and there is a specific budget allocation for this purpose in the financial funds. Only if the traffic police notify the vehicle owner to retrieve the vehicle and the owner fails to do so within the specified time, resulting in parking fees, shall the owner bear the fees.
How long does it take to get the car released after an accident? I've been through this a few times. Generally, for minor scratches with clear liability, it can be sorted out in three to five days. Once the police issue the accident report, repairs and compensations are handled, and the car is released after inspection. However, if there are injuries or liability disputes, delays of one or two weeks are common. Last time, I waited almost half a month, running around with insurance paperwork every day—it was a nightmare. Worse, in major accidents, the car may need technical appraisal, which can take months. Remember to push for the liability report first before dealing with insurance, as parking fees pile up quickly if you delay.
